Build a Deck

Before you build a deck, you should become acquainted with the basics of deck construction and be familiar with a few building codes. This 10x10 deck tutorial is a great place to start.

This
10 x 10 deck tutorial is a seven step process that walks you through
the design, framing, footing, decking, railing, stair, and stair railing
phases of deck building. It will provide you with the information you need to design and build a deck that will be safe and long-lasting. Click on Deck Design (below) to get started.

Build a Deck - Seven Phases

Deck
Design - The first, and probably the most important, phase of deck
building. It covers some important things to consider before you begin
designing the size, location and style of your deck...

Deck Framing
- It is very important to frame your deck so that it is perfectly level
and square. It is equally important to design the structure so that it
will carry the weight of the people, plants, furniture, etc...

Deck Footings
- The sizes of deck footings can vary considerably due to the building
codes and soil conditions in your area.

Decking -
Explore a few common species of wood decking, learn about the types of fasteners to use for attaching decking to a deck frame, and a simple procedure for installing wood decking.

Building
Deck Stairs - If the top level of a deck is more than 10 inches above the
ground, you will probably be building stairs for your deck. This page
provides everything that you need to build deck stairs.

Deck Railing -
Like deck footings, deck railing is also governed by local building
codes. This section provides information on the railing height, spacing of pickets, and general deck railing construction.

Stair
Railing - Building codes suggest that if your deck is 30" (762 mm) or more above the ground, stair railing is required for your deck stairs.

Building a deck can be very simple to relatively complex, depending
on the size, shape and number of levels involved. A simple rectangular
deck, where the surface is below 16 inches above the ground, would be an
example of a simple inexpensive deck that you could probably build in a
day or two. If you add height to it, where railing and stairs are
required, you will need to research
deck railing
designs and
how to build deck stairs.

I recently completed the construction of my own 500 square foot
cedar deck -
check out this
article that describes the building process, from design to
completion.

When I build a deck, I always start with the deck frame, not the
foundation. First, I assemble the frame supported by temporary uprights. This
is done so that, once I have the frame assembled, I can adjust it to make
sure that it is square and level before securing it permanently in concrete. By the time
you read through each of the tutorials, you will have a good idea of how to
build a deck.